Charles Phillip Ford

Charles Phillip Ford passed away peacefully at his home on June 24, 2026, after a long and hard-fought battle with congestive heart failure and kidney failure. He was surrounded by the loving care of his family and hospice staff during his final days after returning home from the hospital.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna Ford; his parents, Freeman and Pauline Ford; and his sister, Martha “Jan” Ford.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Ford; his brother-in-law, Winfrey “Opie” Poindexter Jr.; his son, Joshua Ford and wife Katherine; and his cherished grandson, James Robert Beam Ford.

Charles dedicated more than 40 years of his professional life to the computer industry, beginning with Burroughs Corporation and continuing after its transition into Unisys. Through hard work, dedication, and leadership, he retired as a Regional Supervisor, working from home long before remote work became commonplace.

A proud patriot, Charles served honorably in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1970. During his service, he was assigned to one of the first U.S. Navy ships designed to launch anti-aircraft missiles. As a Fire Control Technician, he maintained and repaired the systems that helped protect the ship and its crew. He remained proud of his military service throughout his life.

Charles was a devoted member of Cherry Street United Methodist Church, where his faith guided his actions. He faithfully served the church in countless ways, including printing weekly bulletins, managing church finances, singing in the choir, and volunteering at church functions. Even as his health declined, he continued to serve wherever he was needed.

Outside of work and church, Charles enjoyed golf, fishing, and bowling. He competed in numerous regional and national bowling tournaments and served as President of the Central Piedmont Bowling Association, dedicating countless volunteer hours to support the sport and the bowlers he cared about.

Above all else, Charles loved his family. Nothing brought him greater joy than his grandson, James. When James was learning to speak, he affectionately called his grandfather “DanGraddy,” a nickname that became a treasured family joke and a lasting memory.

Charles lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and service to others. Throughout the years, he and his family opened their home to friends and relatives in need, offering support, comfort, and a place to stay. He believed in helping others simply because it was the right thing to do.

As his son Joshua reflects on his father’s life:

“Dad, I want you to look down and know that you gave me a wonderful childhood. I learned more by watching you than anyone could ever teach me. You showed me what kindness, charity, hard work, and faith look like in practice. You often worried that you did not spend enough time with me because you worked so hard for our family, but I want you to know that you gave me everything I needed. The man I became is because of the example you set. We will miss you deeply, but we take comfort in knowing that your love, your lessons, and your spirit will always be with us.”

Charles Phillip Ford will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran, church member, mentor, and friend whose life touched countless people. His legacy of faith, service, generosity, and love will continue through all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www2.breakthrought1d.org in hopes a cure one day can be found for Type 1 Diabetes

Or

Cherry St United Methodist Church in memory of Charles Ford.

The family will receive friends at Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Home, 213 W. Mountain St. Kernersville NC 27284 on Monday, June 29, 2026 from 6:00PM - 8:00PM. Funeral services will be at Pierce Jefferson Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 1:00PM lead by Paster Drew Southern.

Friends and family may sign the guestbook online at www.piercejeffersonfh.com